Gregory S. Berns

Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University
and Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Ph.D. University of California, Davis, 1990
M.D.  University of California, San Diego, 1994

 

 

 

 


Research Interests

Our lab studies the relationship of neural systems to decision-making by using a combination of computational and functional imaging techniques. The approach is called Neuroeconomics.  We are particularly interested in the role of the basal ganglia in processing novelty and reward and how this regions guides decision-making.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We use functional imaging techniques, such as fMRI, to probe the function of specific cortico-striatal circuits that we think are involved in motivation.  By designing behavioral tasks that manipulate the relative novelty and uncertainty of the information being presented, we are able to probe these circuits in a targeted manner.  By using subtle manipulations in the behavioral task, subjects are frequently unaware of their presence, and we are able to measure subconscious brain processes.  The circuits that respond to subconscious information changes are also those circuits most commonly implicated in mood and substance use disorders.

Computer Modeling

As a complement to the imaging, we are developing computer models that link the measured circuit response to behavior.  Using neural networks, we model the same tasks that our subjects perform in the scanner.  This allows us to test hypotheses regarding circuit function as well as generating new experiments.  We are also interested in the development of advanced statistical techniques for  the analysis of functional imaging data.

Neuroeconomics

Finally, we are interested in neuroeconomics, a new field in which we are using imaging techniques to uncover the neural basis for many different types of human interactions and decision-making (e.g. social, economic).

Satisfaction

Check out my book, SATISFACTION: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment (Henry Holt & Co., 2005).

For a collection of reviews and related media, click here (this is a 10 MB pdf).

Recent Publications (click here for full online list)

More About Me ...

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Gregory S. Berns, MD, PhD
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Emory University School of Medicine
101 Woodruff Circle., Suite 4000
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: (404) 727-2556
Fax: (404) 727-3233
Email: gberns (at) emory (dot) edu

Media Requests: Please contact Kathi Baker at 404-727-9371 or kobaker@emory.edu